Shan Ako first impressed the X Factor judges with The Greatest Showman’s soundtrack ‘Never Enough’ at the auditions stage. After only making it to bootcamp back in 2007 as a duo with her older sister, Shan has now secured her spot in the live shows and is being mentored by Simon Cowell in the Girls category.
She recently spoke out on her battle with Tuberculosis and said she feels “blessed to be alive” after being struck down with the lung infection and hospitalised.
Shan Smile, also known as Shanice Smith is a 25-year-old session singer from Croydon, south London. She attended The BRIT School for five years alongside stars Ella Eyre and Raye before graduating with a 1st Class Degree in Music Business and Arts Management from Middlesex University.
Before her X Factor journey began she released gospel, soul, Reggae and folk inspired music and was also part of the Whitney Houston Queen Of The Night Concert Tour.
She had the judges on their feet in her first arena audition with ‘Never Enough’ and sailed through the Six Chair Challenge and Judges’ Houses. She sang an original song, ‘Get Back’, at Simon Cowell’s LA mansion to music moguls Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest.
Speaking about her mentor she said: “He was the mentor I wanted. I have so much respect for him and what he has achieved in the industry.”
Connect with Shan on Twitter. Click link to vote for her to remain in the X Factor 2018 competition.
